Google Nexus 5: Common problems and their workarounds

The latest Nexus smartphone may be the pride of Google and LG, but unfortunately, it doesn't come without its share of bugs, at least according to few user reports and critical reviews.

We've collected the biggest Nexus 5 issues currently being discussed over the Internet, and are sharing them with our readers along with possible workarounds for the problems, until Google and LG address them via a software update.

1. Audio problem

The most discussed problem in the Nexus 5 has been the audio. Users report the speaker is not loud enough, and the audio quality is poor. The two grills at the bottom edge are confused for speakers from the pictures but actually, the bottom left grill is the speaker, and the right grill is actually a microphone.

Workaround: There isn't anything from Google that fixes this problem as of now. However, there are couple of fixes you can try. The most obvious fix is to ensure you aren't blocking the speaker (bottom left grill) with your hand. Another one is downloading a third-party music app for the music playback, which unfortunately will not help you majorly but you can tweak around with the equaliser settings. Else wait for an update from Google to fix it.

2. Issues with the camera

Though Nexus 5 features an 8-megapixel Optical Image Stabilisation camera module, there are a lot of complaints regarding slow auto-focus, shutter lag, blurry images and inconsistent colour reproduction in images. The widely-accepted consensus on this issue is that the problems are not because of the camera hardware, but the software.

Workaround: While you have to wait for a camera app or firmware update from Google for a long-term fix, in the meantime you can try third-party camera apps.

Update: Google has released the Android 4.4.1 update, which directly addresses the camera issues. Improvements and fixes include: faster focussing, particularly in low light situations; quicker white balancing for truer colours; ability to pinch-zoom the viewfinder in HDR+ mode and less shutter lag. Google has also shared some images showing the difference between HDR+ mode and normal mode after the update.

Do let us know if your Nexus 5 camera experience has improved post the update, in the comments section below.

3. Wi-Fi connection problem

An issue which has been noticed widely with the Nexus 5 is the Wi-Fi connection drop.

Workaround: Simply switching Wi-Fi off and on, or toggling Airplane mode and back again has been known to fix the problem for some users. Others reported success after rebooting the phone. Another possible fix is via Wi-Fi Settings. Here, select Advanced then select Wi-Fi frequency band and try '2.4GHz only' or '5GHz only' instead of Auto, and see if that helps.

4. Power button problem

A few Nexus 5 users have complained about the power button making a knocking sound when the phone is shaken.

Workaround: If the movement is slight, then it's normal, but if you find it really loose, then you might want to consider getting the phone replaced. You could also use a case for the phone if you don't get a replacement device.

Nexus 5 also comes with a below par battery backup, but there's not much you can do about it, unless you see erratic behaviour (e.g. huge battery drain within no time). If you experience such problems, you might be eligible for getting a replacement unit.

What has your experience been like with the Nexus 5? Are you experiencing any problems that we missed? Let us know via the comments.